At the Academy of Life Planning, we continually strive to integrate comprehensive wellbeing into financial planning. Understanding the broader aspects of wellbeing is crucial, not just for our personal growth, but also for guiding those we serve. Gallup's 2010 research offers profound insights into what constitutes a thriving life. Let's delve into the five essential … Continue reading Exploring the Five Essential Elements of Wellbeing
Author: Steve Conley
Steve Conley is the founder of the Academy of Life Planning, a movement dedicated to restoring human agency in financial planning and helping people navigate life's decisions with greater confidence, capability and independence.
With over 40 years' experience in financial services, Steve has held senior leadership roles with HSBC, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander and Royal London. A Chartered Financial Planner and Chartered Insurer, he combines deep industry expertise with a passion for challenging systems that leave people unnecessarily dependent on experts.
Steve believes the future of financial planning is not about replacing advisers with artificial intelligence, but using AI to strengthen people's ability to understand, question and make informed decisions for themselves. This philosophy underpins Academy OS, a growing ecosystem of AI-powered tools designed to help individuals, families and planners build capability rather than dependency.
Through the Academy of Life Planning, Steve works with financial planners, organisations and individuals who share a vision of a more transparent, ethical and human-centred approach to planning. His work spans education, research, technology, speaking and professional development, with a focus on creating practical solutions that improve financial capability and restore confidence in decision-making.
Steve is also the creator of the Total Wealth Planner approach, which recognises that a fulfilling life depends on far more than money alone. By integrating financial, personal, social and purpose-driven wellbeing, he helps people pursue what he calls "enough"—a life of balance, resilience and meaning.
As a speaker, mentor and author of *Your Money or Your Life: Unmask the Highway Robbers*, Steve continues to challenge conventional thinking about financial planning, arguing that the profession's greatest opportunity is to move beyond advice alone and become a catalyst for greater human agency.
To learn more or connect with Steve, visit the Academy of Life Planning or email steve@academyoflifeplanning.com.
The Future of Financial Planning: Why the Academy of Life Planning Should Become a Professional Body
In today's rapidly evolving financial planning landscape, there is a clear and growing need for professional financial planners who are not tied to product sales. As market dynamics shift, the need for a dedicated professional body that represents these non-intermediating financial planners has never been more apparent. The Academy of Life Planning (AoLP) is uniquely … Continue reading The Future of Financial Planning: Why the Academy of Life Planning Should Become a Professional Body
Book Review: “The Three Domains of Freedom: Each moment is yours, your life is yours, civilisation is yours” by George Kinder
George Kinder’s "The Three Domains of Freedom" is a compelling and profoundly insightful read that captivates from the first page to the last. As a seasoned admirer of Kinder’s work, I found myself engrossed in the book, finishing it in a single day. His engaging writing style and depth of wisdom make it hard to … Continue reading Book Review: “The Three Domains of Freedom: Each moment is yours, your life is yours, civilisation is yours” by George Kinder
D2C Investors Drive AJ Bell’s Success: A Growing Trend
AJ Bell, a prominent investment platform, has seen significant growth in its direct-to-consumer (D2C) segment, a trend that highlights the increasing empowerment of individual investors. In the three months ending 30 June, Citywire reported that AJ Bell secured net inflows of £1.7 billion, a 55% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge … Continue reading D2C Investors Drive AJ Bell’s Success: A Growing Trend
Discover “The Weekly Waffle” – Your Gateway to Empowered Financial Planning
Are you a personal or professional financial planner seeking to develop holistic financial plans? If so, the Academy of Life Planning’s weekly newsletter, "The Weekly Waffle," is tailored just for you. Unlike traditional financial advisers, our target audience comprises empowered, autonomous planners of tomorrow who prioritise client empowerment and financial literacy over mere delegation. Why … Continue reading Discover “The Weekly Waffle” – Your Gateway to Empowered Financial Planning
Financial Advisers: Rethink Your Approach for Gen Z or Face Irrelevance
Financial advisers clinging to traditional "delegating models" in hopes of attracting Generation Z are in for a rude awakening. This new generation, poised to inherit a staggering £5.5 trillion in assets over the next 30 years, has no need for your outdated services. The rise of "finfluencers" has shattered the information asymmetry that once defined … Continue reading Financial Advisers: Rethink Your Approach for Gen Z or Face Irrelevance
Unjust Governance: The FCA’s Burden on Small Financial Firms
In the realm of financial services, the level of reporting required by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for small firms has become disproportionate compared to other industries. Despite the pandemic being behind us, COVID-related reports continue unabated, adding to the regulatory burden. Complaints made to MPs and the Treasury are simply passed on to the … Continue reading Unjust Governance: The FCA’s Burden on Small Financial Firms
“Take Control of Your Financial Future with HapNav”
HapNav is the world's first end-user financial planning app integrated with Open Banking, designed to empower Gen XYZs to take control of their finances without relying on distrusted intermediaries. Priced affordably at just £6.99 per month, HapNav offers an accessible, user-friendly solution to manage your financial journey from wisdom to security, freedom, and beyond. Why … Continue reading “Take Control of Your Financial Future with HapNav”
The Future of Financial Advice: Empowerment Over Delegation
The financial advice market is undergoing a profound transformation. Traditionally dominated by a "delegator mentality," where financial planners managed assets on behalf of their clients, this model was particularly suited to the Baby Boomer generation. However, as we move further into the Information Age, younger generations—Gen X, Y, and Z—are seeking a different approach. They … Continue reading The Future of Financial Advice: Empowerment Over Delegation
Labour’s Plans for Financial Services Regulation: A Comprehensive Overview
Authors: Chris Chapman, Lauren Howells: Labour's Plans for Financial Services Regulation: What We Know | Insights | Mayer Brown Introduction Labour has achieved a landslide victory in the recent general election, securing 412 seats. This article explores Labour's plans for financial services regulation, drawing from their manifesto and other publications to provide insights into their … Continue reading Labour’s Plans for Financial Services Regulation: A Comprehensive Overview
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